Mercedes Benz 300 SL - Carrera PanAmericana race winners finish - 1952 - photo

Description

A superb and rare photo taken during the
1952
edition of the
Carrera PanAmericana
road race which was ridden in
Mexico
.
Shown in this gorgeous period image is the finish of the
the winners of that years edition of the Carrera PanAmericana:
Karl Kling
and
Hans Klenk
in their
Mercedes Benz W194 300 SL
factory race car.
The photo was taken during the actual finish of the race.
The “jail cell bars”, as visible in front of the windshield, were mounted after
Karl Kling
and
Hans Klenk
had to endure an high-speed collision with a vulture that crashed their front windshield…
In
1952
, the original
300SL
(model
Mercedes-Benz W194
) scored overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in Berne-Bremgarten, in the sportscar race of the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring, and in Mexico's
Carrera PanAmericana
where this photo was taken. It also managed second and fourth places at its first outing, the Mille Miglia in 1952.
These successes, especially those on the high speed open road races, were rather surprising as the engine then was fitted only with carburetors, producing
175 hp
(130 kW). Low weight and low aerodynamic drag made the 300SL fast enough to be competitive, while reliability improved its chances of winning.
The
Carrera PanAmericana
was raced from 1950 through 1954. It was held on open roads in
Mexico
that ran from a southern Mexican west-coast city towards
Texas
. The race was formed to celebrate the competition of the
Panamerican Highway
. It was a multi-staged race across the
country that counted towards the World Sportscar Championship. The race saw entrants from factory teams, privateers, and amateurs. On average, only one-third of the entrants were able to finish the race.
The first cars to run the race had top speeds of around
100 mph
. By 1954, the cars were easily running at
170 mph
. The vehicles were not adequately designed to protect the drivers at speeds this great. Being run on open roads meant that many areas of the course could not be managed; live stock, people, obstacles, and a number of other scenarios could make their ways into the road and cause disaster. The decision to cancel the race in 1954 was sad, but necessary.
Many people agree that the Carrera Pan Americana race was one of the most grueling road race ever conceived. The race was open to stock production vehicles. A few marque's took advantage of this difficult course to prove their vehicles stamina and toughness, Mercedes Benz were one of them!
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Mercedes-Benz ‘s automotive history in a wonderful way.
This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
).
It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.